Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.
Official form guide
Form I-589: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
USCIS Form I-589 is used to apply for asylum and for withholding of removal if you are physically present in the United States and are not a U.S. citizen; this application may also be used to apply for protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Need help with Form I-589?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form I-589.
Start filling →Form Overview
USCIS Form I-589 - Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
USCIS Form I-589 is used to apply for asylum and for withholding of removal if you are physically present in the United States and are not a U.S. citizen; this application may also be used to apply for protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure you type or print all answers in black ink; forms completed otherwise will be returned.
- 2Failing to use the latest version of Form I-589 when filling it out.
- 3Completing answers in a language other than English on Form I-589.
- 4Not providing the specific residential street address in Part A.I., Question 8.
- 5Omitting required documentation for spouse or children included in the application.
Plain English
This form allows someone currently living in the U.S. who is not a citizen to formally request asylum or withholding of removal (formerly called withholding of deportation). By filing Form I-589, the applicant can also seek protection under the Convention Against Torture. The application permits including a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The source does not state a specific due date; rather, it notes that federal regulations specify other events that may qualify as valid explanations for why the filing is late (8 CFR, sections 208.4 and 1208.4).
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form when applying for asylum or withholding of removal while physically present in the United States and not a U.S. citizen.
- Do not use it when your address changes but you are relying on an existing application; use Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card instead.
- Check Form G-28 instead when you need to formally notify USCIS that you or someone else is representing you as an attorney or accredited representative.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You are applying for protection under the Convention Against Torture
The form itself covers this application, but it is a specific claim within the larger filing.
✓ Check Part A.I. when listing your eligibility.
You need to notify USCIS of an address change while your application is pending
This card must be submitted in writing within 10 days of moving.
✓ Check Instructions p.10, Part 2.I.
You are submitting a notice of representation by an attorney or representative
This form must be signed by you and the representative and attached to your I-589.
✓ Check Instructions p.9, Item 1.
Deadline or filing window
The source does not state a fixed filing deadline, but it references federal regulations that specify valid reasons for late filing. These regulations are found at 8 CFR, sections 208.4 and 1208.4.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Required Documents
Original documents of all supplementary sheets/statements · Instructions p.9
Supporting Evidence
Newspaper articles, affidavits, medical records, photographs, etc. (if not reasonably available) · Form I-589 Supplement B or additional paper
Relationship Proof
Evidence of relationship to spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age · Instructions p.9
Application Data
Last address where you lived before coming to the U.S. (and country of fear) · Form p.4, Part A.III.1
Post-Filing Requirement
Notification that your address has changed · Form AR-11 or signed letter
Before you submit
- 1Complete Part A.I. with your signature and date.
- 2List all dependents (spouse, children) in Part A.II, regardless of their status or filing intent.
- 3Ensure the current name of the country is used in Question 13 (Instructions p.5).
- 4Verify that all additional pages include your printed name exactly as it appears in Part A.I.
- 5Confirm you have included one copy of evidence showing relationship to spouse/children under 21, if applicable.
- 6Attach Form G-28 if represented by an attorney or accredited representative.
- 7Check that all supplementary sheets and statements are originals.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part A.I., ensuring your signature is present.
- 2Organize the application by completing Parts B, C, D, E, F, G (if applicable), and then submitting supporting evidence as required in Part VI/VIII.
- 3Attach Form G-28 (if represented) behind your original Form I-589, followed by all supplementary sheets and copies of relationship evidence.
- 4Verify that any additional pages include your printed name, A-Number, signature, and date before sending the package to the correct filing location listed in Part XII.
Known limitations
- 1The Form I-589 does not apply if the applicant is a U.S. citizen.
- 2Children 21 years of age or older must file separate applications, as must married children.
- 3If an applicant files this form but is determined to have knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum, they become permanently ineligible for benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name as in your passport.
Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.
Country where you hold citizenship.
Basis
2 items
Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.
Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).
Evidence
1 items
List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.
Signatures
1 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-589 is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions indicate that information concerning asylum offices can be found on the USCIS website.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fee information applicable to Form I-589.
- Mailing address — confirm the location of asylum offices is available on www.uscis.gov (Instructions p.9).
- Signature — ensure your signature appears in Part D, and if someone else prepares it, their signature must be in Part E.
- Supporting evidence — verify that any additional pages include your printed name, A-Number (if any), signature, and date.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the completed Form I-589 because USCIS will confirm receipt in writing, although mailing by registered mail (return receipt requested) is recommended for your records.
- 2If filing while in removal proceedings and not as an unaccompanied alien child (UAC), counsel for DHS will provide instructions for biometrics collection.
- 3When reporting a change of address: notify the Immigration Court having jurisdiction on EOIR Form 33/IC within 5 days of the change, and also notify USCIS on Form AR-11 or by signed/dated letter within 10 days after the change.
- 4If an error is found, the source does not specify a method for correction but implies that corrections can be made via the address change procedures listed above (e.g., filing a new form or updating records).
- 5When including family members, retain copies of primary documentary evidence establishing the relationship; if unavailable, submit secondary evidence like medical, religious, or school records.
- 6If submitting additional pages with Form I-589, ensure each page includes your printed name (as in Part A.I.), A-Number (if applicable), signature, and date.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — This application is used to apply for asylum in the United States and for withholding of removal.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Applicants may include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age on this form.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Unlawfully present applicants are subject to removal if their asylum or withholding claims are not granted by an officer or judge.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — Answers must be typed or printed in black ink, and answers must be completed in English.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Part F (Asylum Interview) should not be signed before filing; Part G (Removal Hearing) should not be signed before filing.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — When submitting documents, one copy of evidence of relationship to spouse/children under 21 is required if including them.
Common confusion points
When should you sign Part F?
Do not sign Part F before filing; USCIS will ask you to sign it at the conclusion of your asylum interview.
→ Check that Part D is signed before sending.
When should you sign Part G?
Do not sign Part G before filing; USCIS will ask you to sign it at the hearing before the immigration judge.
→ Check that Part D is signed before sending.
What must be typed on every additional page submitted?
The printed name (exactly as in Part A.I.), your A-Number (if applicable), signature, and date must appear on any extra pages.
→ Review the attachment order instructions for supplementary materials.
Can you include family members on this form?
Yes, you may include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age if they are physically present in the United States.
→ Verify that married children or those aged 21+ file separately.
What language must be used to complete Form I-589?
All answers must be completed in English; forms filled out in another language will be returned.
→ Ensure all required fields have information provided.
If a question does not apply, what should you write?
Write 'none,' 'not applicable,' or 'unknown' for questions that do not apply to the applicant.
→ Be sure to provide detailed answers where possible.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
Questions about USCIS Form I-589
What is USCIS Form I-589 used for?
This form allows someone currently living in the U.S. who is not a citizen to formally request asylum or withholding of removal (formerly called withholding of deportation). By filing Form I-589, the applicant can also seek protection under the Convention Against Torture. The application permits including a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old.
Who must file USCIS Form I-589?
An individual who is physically present in the United States and is not a U.S. citizen must file USCIS Form I-589. This form may also be filed on behalf of an applicant's spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age.
What information does USCIS Form I-589 require?
The form collects detailed information about the filer and their family, including residential and mailing addresses in Part A.I. It requires listing all spouses and children (including stepchildren, deceased/adopted children) in Part A.II. Other parts collect data for signatures at interview (Part F) or hearing (Part G).
When is USCIS Form I-589 due?
The source does not state a specific due date; rather, it notes that federal regulations specify other events that may qualify as valid explanations for why the filing is late (8 CFR, sections 208.4 and 1208.4).
Where do I file USCIS Form I-589?
Applicants must provide their residential street address in Part A.I., Question 8, of the application. The completed Form I-589 should be mailed to USCIS, Office of Policy & Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, at 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-589?
The applicant must type or print all answers in black ink and complete them in English on Form I-589. The filer must sign Part D before sending the form. Additionally, the filer must anticipate signing in Part F (if applicable) at the asylum interview and potentially in Part G (if applicable) at the removal hearing.
What happens if USCIS Form I-589 is filed incorrectly?
If the application is incomplete or if questions are not answered completely, it will be returned to the filer. Forms completed in a language other than English will also be returned.
When should you sign Part F?
Do not sign Part F before filing; USCIS will ask you to sign it at the conclusion of your asylum interview. Check that Part D is signed before sending.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.